I didn't answer your question! Second time yes as I noticed different things, third time I guess I just enjoyed the read but the bits that irked me (some pretty dislike able characters) irked me more iykwim. I loved the prodigal, have you read the Bean Trees? Very good, I think Barbara Kingsolver is a great author, really knows her subject matter

I have read all James Herriott's books several times. They are my go to thing whenever I feel low or stressed as I find them so gentle and calming. I always enjoy it because I feel so comforted by the stories.

I re-read books over and over again. If it's an excellent book then I enjoy it more and more every time I read it! I have just re-read Nicci French's Freida Klein series as the new one came out and I wanted to make sure I'd remembered everything from the other books. snakewitch - I own all the James Herriot books and they are my second most re-read books! First are the Laura Ingalls Wilder books... Third probably Jane Eyre or Anne of Green Gables... Or Great Expectations! Could go on forever. Books are the great love of my life.

I like re-reading as I tend to scan rather than read carefully. Second time around I pick up more detail. The Lord Peter Wimsey stories were beautifully written (I have a well thumbed copy of Strong Poison on my bookshelf, annandale). They reward re-reading.

I reread Agatha christie all the time. Currently on sittaford mystery. Weird to reread whodunnits I guess, as you already know but sometimes I find a different clue or hint! Have just found it easier since having the dcs, I don't have a lot of time at all and don't like wasting It on things I don't enjoy. Every few years I resolve to have a year off and search out similar either from her era, or written in the style of that era.

anna I didn't get far with Dorothy l Sayers, perhaps I missed the point, I think it was a Peter (wimpole?) probably got the name totally wrong, but I think there was a body in a bath?? I recall finding the sleuth irritating anyway and stopped around 30 pages in. Would you recommend any in particular?

peachypips I would say we are kindred spirits except I couldn't finish Great Expectations as Pip was annoying me too much! Not a big Dickens fan but I did quite enjoyed the tome Dombey and Son which surprised me

Oh x posted with gnome - lord peter wimsey i did start with the first one but really couldn't take to it. gnome and anna do either of you also like Agatha christie out of interest? Just wondering if it's an either or thing, or if I should try her again.

Squeeeek. I have found my people. Love rereading books. Often find stuff I missed first time round.

Especially love DLS. Any crime though, pretty much does it for me. I love rereading crime stories, especially those set in the 1920s and 30s. You can be sure by the end all loose ends will be tied up and all is tidied up again. Very soothing.

On re-reading books - when my father was about 60 he announced that he didn't want to be given books anymore, he was just going to re-read the ones he had (he had a lot of books - serious amounts). And I thought he was crazy not to want to experience new authors etc., but the older I get the more I see his point of view. He died a few years later so I'm glad he had spent the time revisiting the books of his past - there's a lot to be said for it.

Last Summer I re-read Zadie Smith's White Teeth, not only because it's a great rambling story with very close-to-the-bone characters, but because I wanted to see how British Muslim society looked almost two decades ago.

I occasionally read a book through twice, so I can stay in the "alternative life" and savour it without needing to find out what happens next!